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Brisbane Port unviable for live cattle exporters

SEALS will start shipping cattle out of Karumba before the end of April, but the Port of Brisbane is not an option.

Virginia Tapp

Congested conditions for live cattle exporters at the Port of Darwin in recent weeks have triggered reports of the possibility of companies shipping cattle out of Brisbane.

While sources used in reports have so far refused to be named, livestock shipping companies contacted by the ABC say the Port of Brisbane is not an option.

Elders and South East Asia Livestock Shipping Services (SEALS) believes it is highly unlikely exporters would ever use the Port of Brisbane to send feeder and slaughter cattle to Asian markets

Managing director of SEALS, John Kaus, says shipping paths and the cost of freight make it an unviable option.

"We'll stick to Karumba and Darwin. It would be pretty expensive for freight coming out of Brisbane," he said.

"I think anyone would have to consider Townsville first, before they went to Brisbane. You have far more cattle suitable for export coming out of the area between Townsville and the Northern Territory border."

SEALS will begin exporting cattle out of Karumba towards the end of this month, to try and escape the congested conditions in Darwin.

"The trouble with Darwin is too many ships arrive there at once, too many ships ready to load, and sometimes you have to wait there a couple of days, which isn't good.

"At Karumba, a ship can come in and go out with out any hassles."

Mr Kaus has also able to confirm that a Western Australian shipping company is planning to start exporting cattle out of Karumba this month.

"They've indicated they would like to start using Karumba before the end of April, so that's a bit of a plus for the local graziers."